Preview: Dundee vs. Motherwell - prediction, team news, lineups

Motherwell shall be hoping to extend their winning streak to three games on Saturday when they travel to Dens Park to face Dundee.

Meanwhile, the hosts will be playing their first game in 20 days where they have the chance to go level on points with Livingston if they can be victorious.

Match preview

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Dundee currently sit inside the relegation zone following the first 13 games of the season, having only managed to win two games throughout the campaign.

However, one of those victories did take place at the end of October in what was one of their most recent matches, with their performances having drastically improved as of late.

The Dark Blues managed to beat St Mirren 1-0 and while they followed that up with a loss, they did put in a strong effort against Celtic as they were defeated 4-2 in their most recent outing.

But with just three points separating them and Livingston, there is a real incentive to go and gain a result on Saturday, especially after such a lengthy break following the latest international games.

When the two teams last met it was a closely-fought contest and one that Dundee only narrowly lost 1-0, with a strike from Tony Watt being enough to grant Motherwell the victory on the day.

The Steelmen returned from the international break with a victory last weekend, bookending that time with a win on either side, which is something the club needed.

Graham Alexander's squad had gone on a run of five games without three points before defeating Aberdeen and they were able to follow it up with another 2-0 last Saturday against Hearts.

Connor Shields and Ricki Lamie were both on target against the Jam Tarts, with the win helping them to reach fifth place in the table.

Another victory on Saturday has the chance to lift Motherwell as high as third depending on other results, which immediately puts them back into the mix at the top end of the table.

However, Alexander will be wary that his side have struggled away from home this season, managing to pick up only two victories on their travels so far.

His team have managed to keep consecutive clean sheets, though, and considering Dundee have only just managed to break double figures in terms of goals this season, that is something that could see the Steelmen through.

Team News

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After such a long break Dundee should be able to provide a fit and healthy squad for this Saturday, which is something that could prove to be beneficial, even if many of the players have a lack of game time.

However, one player they will be without is Cillian Sheridan who suffered an Achilles tendon rupture before the international break which is something that will keep him out of action for the rest of the season.

The Dark Blues will also be able to welcome back Leigh Griffiths to the squad after he was unavailable during their last performance due to it being against his parent club.

Kevin van Veen will be eligible to return on Saturday after serving his suspension, but Motherwell will likely be without Liam Donnelly once again, as he continues to deal with small problems.

Both Mark O'Hara and Juhani Ojala were also unable to overcome knocks to feature against Hearts but could be in contention at the weekend.

Dundee possible starting lineup:
Legzdins; Elliot, Kerr, Ashcroft, Sweeney, Marshall; McMullan, McGowan, Adam, Anderson; Griffiths

Motherwell possible starting lineup:
Kelly; Mugabi, Johansen, Lamie, McGinley; Slattery, Maguire, Goss; Watt, Shields, Woolery

We say: Dundee 0-2 Motherwell

Sometimes a long break can be a good thing, but it can also be damaging and Dundee have a serious lack of game time recently, which Motherwell could exploit.

The visitors have got their confidence back and have returned to playing exciting football with strong defensive displays and that should see them earn another three points at the weekend.

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